By Wang Weijian from People’s Daily, Deng Wei from People’s Daily Online
In Silicon Valley, where fast-paced lifestyles prevail among tech professionals, demand for smart cleaning appliances, particularly robotic vacuum cleaners, is rapidly increasing. Market forecasts project that the North American robotic vacuum cleaner market is expected to reach $9.9 billion by 2030, with an annual compound growth rate of about 18.8 percent. This positions North America as a major market for Chinese smart appliance manufacturers.
Earlier this year, Dreame Technology, a leading smart home appliance manufacturer headquartered in Suzhou, east China’s Jiangsu province, launched a robotic vacuum in North America. Within just two weeks of its debut, sales reached $1.7 million across all channels. During the spring promotion season, the company’s sales in the region surged 362 percent year on year, with robotic vacuum sales and floor washer sales increasing by 300 percent and 630 percent respectively.
In June, Dreame Technology opened its sixth retail store in California, showcasing its latest innovations in smart cleaning and personal care. “I have great confidence in Chinese tech products,” remarked Sophia, a local consumer. “They offer both high-quality and practical software support.”
Dreame’s success stems from years of R&D aimed at solving common user pain points. For example, the conventional round design of robotic vacuums limited their ability to clean corners and tight spaces. “In 2022, we decided to address this challenge,” said Meng Jia, president of Dreame’s robotic vacuum division.
At first, the team tried changing the machine’s body from round to square. But during testing, the robot frequently bumped into obstacles and struggled with complex layouts. Another attempt involved extending the cleaning pad beyond the machine’s frame, but this design compromised aesthetics.
After testing over 30 designs, the team introduced a breakthrough solution: a robotic vacuum equipped with a miniature AI-powered mechanical arm that extends and retracts to clean hard-to-reach areas. The innovation propelled sales, with over one million units sold in 2023 alone. “While foreign brands may take five years to release a new model, we can do so every 10 months,” Meng added.
Innovation is also driving growth at Beatbot, another Suzhou-based firm focused on robotic solutions for pool cleaning. Founded in 2022, the firm has expanded its presence in North America via online and offline channels, achieving strong sales through platforms like Amazon. Traditional pool-cleaning robots are often limited in functionality and convenience. To address this, Beatbot developed a system allowing robots to ascend pool walls and float to the surface by adjusting buoyancy through controlled air intake, eliminating the need for manual retrieval, explained Beatbot founder Wang Shengle.
The company’s first-generation robot launched in early 2024 and generated nearly 400 million yuan in annual sales despite a premium price. Its second-generation model, equipped with AI capabilities and priced above $3,000, has seen strong demand in both North America and Europe. A third-generation model is currently under testing, promising enhanced intelligence, efficiency, and autonomous operation.
Beatbot now holds more than 100 invention and international patents. “In global competition, sustained innovation is the only way forward,” Wang said. “With core technologies as our competitive edge, we remain well-positioned for long-term success.”
